The word "bling" has been overused by every two-bit jeweler selling cubic
zirconium. It has been worn out by virtually all fashion publicists — who for
the past five months have been chirping, "Bling in the New Year!" — and by
every morning TV host trying to make the umpteenth holiday shopping segment
sound fun and nifty. Use of the word has become like a nervous tic, as
persistent as a dry cough and as annoying as old people who say "phat" and "You
go, girl!"

If the word "bling" is never again uttered by an aging cultural observer –
some well-meaning baby boomer or a mainstream news organization proud to have
incorporated "edgy" lingo into its coverage — then 2006 will be a fine year.